Author: madamerap-admin

In Puerto Rico, the history of female rappers is closely linked to the evolution of rap and reggaeton on the island, but also to New York’s hip hop culture.

In the 1980s, the Afro-Caribbean community in Puerto Rico, hand in hand with the African-American community, built the hip hop culture that would inspire an entire generation on the island.

Artists such as Vico C, Brewley MC, Lisa M, and DJ Negro played an essential role in establishing Spanish-language rap and integrating it into the local and international music scene. Women also played a key role, although this is often downplayed or overlooked.

Lisa M

Lisa M, an undisputed legend of Puerto Rican rap, was one of the first women to take the mic. A pioneer since the late 1980s, she fuses rap and Caribbean rhythms with hits such as “Trampa” and “No lo derrumbes.” She paved the way for new generations of female rappers, inspiring them to take the mic and tell their own stories.

Ivy Queen

Since the mid-1990s, Ivy Queen has been a central figure in the rap and reggaeton scene, distinguishing herself with her powerful lyrics and her ability to open up spaces for women in a predominantly male genre.
Albums such as Sentimiento (2007) and Drama Queen (2010) are testament to her legacy and impact.

Joseline Hernandez

Originally from Ponce, Joseline Hernandez conquered US television thanks to her appearance on the show Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta. Since then, the rapper and singer has been exploring her musicality, fusing rap, reggaeton, and dancehall with bilingual lyrics that reflect her identity, establishing herself as a key figure on the scene.

Young Miko

Young Miko is one of the most popular and internationally recognized Puerto Rican female rappers. She began her career in 2019, collaborating with renowned artists and performing at international festivals. She represents a new wave of women who are not content with just rapping, but are also poets and inspiring role models.

Villano Antillano

Born in Bayamón, Villano Antillano identifies as transgender and non-binary (pronouns: she/they). Using her music as a weapon to fight discrimination and promote equality, she has managed to make her voice heard around the world.

Her participation in BZRP Music Sessions #51 not only propelled her to fame, but also highlighted the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in this music.

La Duraca

With her bold style and straightforward lyrics, La Duraca has established herself as one of the key figures in Caribbean reggaeton and rap. The artist embodies this new generation of women who are challenging conventions and claiming their place in the industry.

Alexxa Kim

Alexxa Kim has taken the Puerto Rican underground scene by storm with her relentless flow and sharp vocal technique. Known for her collaborations with artists such as Jon Z, this emerging rapper is challenging the status quo of rap and trap.

Nesi

From her viral freestyles to her collaborations with Bad Bunny, Nesi has quickly made a name for herself on the trap and rap scene. With her unique flow and powerful lyrics, she has become an essential voice on the scene, standing out with her own distinctive style.

Indian rap, like many music scenes, has long been considered a boys’ club. However, there is no shortage of talented female rappers, who began to emerge in the 2000s.

In the early 2000s, Hard Kaur quickly made a name for herself with her high-energy performances and Bollywood collaborations. Although of Tamil/Sri Lankan origin and British nationality, M.I.A. has also profoundly influenced the South Asian diaspora and sparked inspiration for many Indian artists.

Finding Their Voice

The 2010s marked a turning point, witnessing a surge in the number and visibility of women in Indian rap. Artists like Raja Kumari, Dee MC and Sofia Ashraf stepped into the spotlight, using their music as a platform to tackle pressing issues such as gender equality, societal change, and environmental activism.

Sofia Ashraf’s powerful 2014 track “Kodaikanal Won’t” brought national attention to the mercury poisoning crisis in Kodaikanal.

Diversity Takes Center Stage

A fresh wave of female rappers infused Indian hip hop with unprecedented linguistic and regional diversity. Artists such as Siri, Navz-47 and Irfana rap in a vibrant mix of languages (Kannada, Tamil, English, and French), reflecting India’s rich multicultural fabric. For example, Irfana weaves themes of Muslim culture, feminism, and anti-fascism into her artistry. Navz-47 connects with audiences across linguistic boundaries with her unique trilingual style.

United in Sound

A pivotal moment arrived in 2020 with the formation of Wild Wild Women, India’s first all-female hip hop collective. Based in Mumbai, the group (including HashtagPreeti, Krantinaari, MC Mahila, JQueen & Pratika) fearlessly confronts topics like mental health, women’s empowerment, and patriarchal prejudices.

Anthems such as “Game Flip” and “Uddu Azad” challenge stereotypes and empower women to speak their minds. The collective also runs cyphers and outreach programs, nurturing and inspiring the next generation of young female hip hop artists.

Rising Stars

The Indian female rap scene continues its dynamic expansion with artists like Mrunal Shankar, Shia, Meba Ofilia and Reble, each carving their own unique path. Meba Oflia, hailing from Shillong, captured the European Music Award for “Best Indian Act” with her debut single. Mrunal Shankar, signed to Kalamkaar, is gaining traction through collaborations with prominent male rappers and electrifying live performances.

The Fight Continues

Nowadays, despite remarkable progress, female rappers in India still navigate significant obstacles, from familial skepticism to persistent industry biases. Many have fought tooth and nail for recognition and acceptance, often juggling day jobs to pursue their musical aspirations.

However, their growing visibility and undeniable success are gradually reshaping perceptions and paving the way for future generations of women in Indian hip hop.

For #LesbianVisibilityDay, let’s find out more about the 120 lesbian rappers from 25 countries listed on Madame Rap!

Since 2015, Madame Rap has undertaken the significant task of cataloging lesbian female rappers worldwide. This effort is complicated by the absence of official statistics. Information remains limited to a few media reports, community-generated lists, and academic research, highlighting the challenges of gathering systematic data on this demographic.

This lack of data stems from a combination of factors, including privacy considerations, prevailing marketing strategies within the music industry, the absence of institutional data collection, and the persistent stigma surrounding LGBTQ+ representation within hip hop.

Despite the challenges, we remain committed to increase the visibility of lesbian female rappers. Visibility matters and representation changes everything. Here is our latest infographic: Out and Loud: Mapping Lesbian Rappers Worldwide.

 

Madame Rap presents a brand new infographic dedicated to female and LGBTQIA+ rappers in Europe!

As the first media to amplify the voices of female and LGBTQIA+ rappers worldwide, Madame Rap has been dedicated since 2015 to deconstructing clichés and give visibility to women and queer people on the international rap scene.

This year, we decided to take stock of the situation in Europe and the European Union with our infographic “Who’s Heard? – Female and LGBTQIA+ Rappers in Europe,” created using our artist directory.

Regularly updated, this database brings together international rappers who identify as women or LGBTQIA+ and have released at least one track physically, online, or on social media.

The goal of this initiative is to create archives and restore these invisibilized artists to their rightful place in the history of rap.

With 3664 artists from 138 different countries, including 1258 in Europe, can we still claim that there are no women and queer people in rap?

 

Download the inflographic in English, in Spanish and in French .

Produced by Madame Rap and supported by the European Union via LIVEMX.

 

Beyond the headlines and misconceptions, there’s a vibrant and growing community of Muslim female artists who are reshaping the landscape of rap!

But let’s be clear: they aren’t new to the scene. Here are 10 rappers who prove that just like there have always been women in rap, there have always been Muslim women in rap. In the 1990s, figures like Sister Souljah, Queen Mother Rage, Miss Undastood, and Alia Sharrief and Boshia in the 2010s, helped define this space. Today, a new generation of artists is addressing social justice, feminism, celebrating self-love, and challenging perceptions with their music. Get ready to expand your musical horizons!

Neelam Hakeem

Seattle-born and L.A. based, Neelam Hakeem is a groundbreaking Black Muslim American rapper who seamlessly blends faith with her art. Converting to Islam in 2007 deeply influenced her lyrics and message. Her music, praised by Erykah Badu, carries themes of empowerment and identity. Embracing modest fashion and hijab, she inspires fans through her authenticity.

Bunga

Bunga is a Malaysian rap sensation known for wearing the hijab and baju kurung, a traditional Malay female attire. Her finalist spot on “16 Baris,” dominated by male contestants, garnered international attention, including from The New York Times. Inspiring young Muslim women, she collaborates with local stars and acts in television dramas, creating impactful music while honoring her Islamic identity.

Aint Afraid

Natives of Baltimore, and raised in Detroit, twin sisters Inah and Yahzi debuted in June 2020 with their duo Aint Afraid Singing since age two, they’ve quickly amassed millions of streams. Their dynamic sound blends soulful harmonies with conscious lyrics addressing social issues and self-love,. Faith deeply informs their work, allowing them to connect authentically and validate shared experiences with listeners.

Felukah

Felukah, stage name of Egyptian rapstress Sara El Messiry, draws inspiration from feluccas – ancient sailboats on the Nile, symbolizing artistic travelers guided by the wind. Her music embodies this “Felukah Philosophy,” embracing the turbulence of life’s journey. Faith is central to Felukah’s life and artistry, providing a sense of peace and certainty in a chaotic world.

Mona Haydar

Northern New Mexico-based Mona Haydar is a Syrian-American rapper, poet, activist, and “God-enthusiast” practicing sacred activism. With a Masters in Social Ethics, her journey includes studying in Damascus, living off-grid, and now homeschooling while bee-keeping. Her groundbreaking single “Hijabi” celebrated women and challenged prejudice, while her EP “Barbarican” explored reclaiming identity. Mona also works as a chaplain, advocating for peace, sustainability, and spiritual connection

Saniya MQ

Mumbai-based Saniya MQ is a rising rapper known for her socially conscious lyrics. Starting with poetry, she transitioned to rapping with the help of friends. She was only 15 when she broke through, using her music to express frustration with systemic inequalities and poverty, inspired by the stark contrasts she witnessed growing up in India.

Miss Raisa

Raised in Morocco, Spanish rapper Miss Raisa gained prominence after rapping about inequality on “Got Talent España” in 2021. Even though she uses her platform to express herself, she doesn’t want to be labeled as a representative of Muslim women. In 2022, she removed her hijab, facing criticism and threats, but continues to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and self-expression.

Asayel

A trailblazing voice in Saudi rap, Afro-Arab rapper Asayel rose to prominence in 2020 with her video, “Mecca Girl”, which celebrated women from the holy city. Based in Jeddah, she uses her cultural background and personal experiences to write incisive, empowering lyrics about self-confidence, resilience, and social justice. She blends rap, R&B, and pop to create music with global appeal.

Mina la Voilée

Mina la Voilée is a Senegalese rapper who advocates for feminism and women’s empowerment. Facing backlash for being a veiled woman in a male-dominated, and often unwelcomed, hip hop scene, she challenges the unfair treatment of women in the industry and in Senegal. Her song “Girl Power” with lyrics in Wolof, promotes equality while protesting the lack of protective laws.

Poetic Pilgrimage

Poetic Pilgrimage is a British female rap and spoken word duo comprised of Muneera Rashida and Sukina Abdul Noor, who are of Jamaican descent. Known for their performances in Islamic head dresses, long skirts and Adidas jackets, they use their music to address themes of identity, global politics, and women’s issues through a unique blend of rap, Caribbean influences, jazz, and soul.

Check out 10 Spanish LGBTQIA+ rappers selected from the 143 Spanish artists and the 476 LGBTQIA+ artists listed on Madame Rap !

Spain is not just synonymous with sun, beach and paella. It is also a country that proudly flies the LGBTQI+ flag and is a benchmark for rights and equality. The figures speak for themselves:

On the equality podium: Spain is the third most LGBT-friendly country in the world and the fourth in Europe (LGBT Equality Index 2023/ILGA Europe 2024).

Love is love, and Spain has been celebrating it since 2005: almost two decades ago, Spain made history by becoming the third country in the world to legalize marriage and adoption for same-sex couples, thus paving the way for equality and family diversity.

Access to ART for all: In 2021, Spain took another step forward by guaranteeing access to assisted reproductive technology for all women, regardless of their sexual orientation or marital status.

Trans law, a step towards self-determination: In 2023, the Spanish Parliament passed a law that authorizes gender self-determination from the age of 16 and prohibits conversion therapies, practices that violate the dignity and freedom of individuals.

A country that supports equality: 87% of Spanish citizens believe that LGBTQI+ people should have the same rights and freedoms as heterosexual people (Eurobarometer 2023).

Madrid, the world capital of pride: The Madrid Pride Parade (MADO) is a unique celebration. In 2017, it attracted 3.5 million visitors, making it the third largest pride parade in the world, behind New York and São Paulo.

Spain is working to build a fairer and more inclusive society, where everyone can love and live freely. This openness is also reflected in its music scene, particularly in rap, where more and more LGBTQI+ artists are raising their voices and celebrating diversity.

 

Ptazeta

Hailing from the Canary Islands, Ptazeta has won over audiences with her blunt lyrics and unique style. Openly lesbian, her music combines rap, reggaeton and trap and celebrates LGBTQI+ visibility. From “Mami” to her collaboration with Lali, she continues to inspire and push the music scene forward.

Arkano

A true freestyle master, Arkano identifies as bisexual and uses his music to celebrate diversity. He is one of Spain’s most respected freestylers, winner of the Red Bull battle and world record holder for having rapped for more than 24 hours non-stop.

Tribade

Tribade is a queer and feminist group from Barcelona, made up of Masiva Lulla, Bittah and DJ Big Mark, which celebrates non-normative identities and uses its music as a political tool. While their music mixes rap, reggaeton and R’n’B, their lyrics address issues of gender, sexuality and social justice from an intersectional and anti-capitalist perspective.

K1za

From guitar to rap, K1za has come a long way. Her viral track “Contrato” opened the doors of the music scene to her, where she distinguished herself with her EP Agua y Tiza, which explores the theme of mental health. With her characteristic raspy voice, the Madrid rapper has established herself as one of the most promising Spanish rap artists.

Yer

Yer is known for his melodic flow and introspective lyrics. The artist prefers not to publicly label his sexual orientation, defending fluidity and self-determination. His music fuses elements of rap with alternative sounds, creating a unique style that has won over his audience.

Sara Socas

Sara Socas is one of the leading figures in Spanish rap. Originally from Tenerife, this openly lesbian freestyler and rapper has managed to break down barriers and pave the way for women in hip hop. After a successful career in rap battles, she released her first studio album TFN-MAD in 2023.

Las Bajas Pasiones

Las Bajas Pasiones, a group made up of Trusty, Edu Libra and Toni Taboo, mixes electro, rap and pop, advocates for the diversity of identities and fights for the visibility of LGTBIQ+ people in music. Their concerts are a true catharsis, capable of transforming any space into a protest party or a festive protest.

Jimena Amarillo

Jimena Amarillo says she makes “music for lesbians”. After studying violin and guitar, the Valencian rapper discovered a passion for composition by creating songs inspired by her personal experiences. Her albums Cómo decirte, mi amor and La pena no es cómoda have made her one of the key figures of the new Spanish scene.

Andra Venus

Andra Venus is much more than a rapper, singer and producer. This transgender artist based in Seville uses her music to express her identity. Between rap, R’n’B and hyperpop, her introspective lyrics explore her emotions and celebrate freedom. Her goal: to create a safe space on the music scene and shake up its codes.

Tristan Simone

Tristan Simone does not fit the typical rapper profile, and that is undoubtedly the reason for his success. This openly gay Spanish artist first performed at the Lollapalooza festival before releasing his first album and making himself known to the public. He is now taking the American music scene by storm with a style that fuses rap, jazz, gospel and flamenco, defying gender norms.